any difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about potential challenges or obstacles someone may face in a situation. Example: "If you encounter any difficulty while completing the task, please don't hesitate to reach out for assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everybody believes it without any difficulty.

Independent

You can imagine this without any difficulty.

The Guardian - Arts

Ibrahim quickly extracted them from any difficulty.

The New Yorker

I don't personally have any difficulty with that word.

The Guardian

The police do not generally have any difficulty identifying suspects.

The Guardian - Opinion

Did you have any difficulty persuading him to participate?

The New Yorker

You don't want any difficulty in having it honored.

The New York Times

The inhabitants have never had any difficulty cultivating it.

The New York Times

None of the manufacturers is reporting any difficulty making the drug, he said.

The New York Times

But neither woman has any difficulty remembering where the meeting took place.

The New York Times - Sports

It said: On the whole she did not think there would be any difficulty with Helena.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential difficulty might relate to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "any difficulty" can sound slightly informal. In highly formal writing, consider using synonyms like "any impediment" or "any complication" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any difficulty" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It generally introduces a condition or possibility of encountering challenges, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "any difficulty" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to address potential challenges across diverse contexts. As noted by Ludwig, it’s deemed correct and commonly used. While "any difficulty" is frequently found in news, science and wiki sources, it is important to consider formality and replace it with other options when necessary. Remember, while versatile, being specific about the potential difficulty ensures clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any problem

Direct synonym, focusing on the presence of an issue.

any trouble

Similar to "any problem", but often implies a more significant or bothersome issue.

any challenge

Focuses on the aspect of overcoming an obstacle, rather than just the existence of it.

any obstacle

Highlights a barrier preventing progress.

any impediment

A more formal term for something that hinders progress.

any setback

Focuses on a reversal or delay in progress.

any complication

Emphasizes the complexity introduced by the issue.

any hitch

Informal term for a temporary problem or delay.

any snag

Similar to "any hitch", suggesting a minor, unexpected problem.

any adversity

Highlights a difficult or unfavorable situation.

FAQs

How can I use "any difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "any difficulty" to inquire about potential challenges. For example, "If you experience "any difficulty" with the software, please contact support."

What's a more formal alternative to "any difficulty"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "any impediment", "any complication", or "any obstacle".

Is it correct to say 'I don't have any difficulty'?

Yes, "I don't have "any difficulty"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that you are not experiencing any problems.

What's the difference between "any difficulty" and "any problem"?

While similar, ""any difficulty"" often implies a challenge in performing a task or achieving a goal, whereas "any problem" is a more general term for any issue or trouble.